Job Listing Shows Apple Wants to iPhone Maps App "to the Next Level"

A new job listing shows Apple is looking for an iPhone Software Engineer to work on the Map and MapKit framework team, which is also responsible for the Compass app and other location-based services on the iPhone and iPod touch:

The iPhone has revolutionized the mobile industry and has changed people's lives and we want to continue to do so. We want to take Maps to the next level, rethink how users use Maps and change the way people find things. We want to do this in a seamless, highly interactive and enjoyable way. We've only just started.

For the iPhanboi Who Has Everything: iPhone App Coasters

Have more money than fanboi shame? Itching for just one more hit of iPhone in your life? iPhone Coasters has a buy now button for you. Cashing in at £12.99 per 6-iPhone app-themed coaster pack, you have your choice of Core (SMS, Calendar, Phone, Email, Safari, and iPod), Home (Notes, Settings, Camera, Clock, and Contacts), and Media (Maps, YouTube, Stocks, Movies, Weather, and Photos). And no, there's no discount for getting them all.

But if you've always dreamed of parking the tasty beverage or spicy drink of your choice on an Apple-designed iPhone app (or getting a nifty set of iPhone-themed safety-ninja stars),

4th Generation iPhone (3,1) Now Being Tested in San Francisco

Yup, pretty much right on schedule identifiers for iPhone 3,1 (which would be the 4th generation iPhone -- likely set to debut next summer at WWDC 2010 -- have shown up in PinchMedia analytics, which tracks device usage, this time for iBART developer Pandav. (Apple is based outside San Francisco, so a SF public transport app makes sense as a test app).

There's an old proverb in the video encoding world: "Speed, size, quality: pick two." It means that you always have to make a trade-off between the time it takes to encode a video, the amount of compression used, and the picture quality. Well, this release of HandBrake refuses to compromise. It picks all three.

If you have video you want to get onto your iPhone, Handbrake is the way to go -- and it's free. New, streamlined presets still include Apple Universal, iPod, iPhone & iPod touch, and Apple TV (as well as others if you're rocking the Xbox, PS3, Zune, or whatever floats your video boat).

53,000 Pre-orders -- South Koreans Can't Wait to Get Their iPhones!

Pre-orders for Apple's iPhone, set to debut in South Korea Saturday, have already hit 53,000 on carrier KT Corp. With a market of over 400,000 smartphone users and 47 million handset holders in general, and entrenched local competitors like Samsung and LG, AP quotes the former as saying it thinks Apple will "invigorate" things.

Get a New iPhone or iPod touch for Black Friday? Here's What You Need Next!

So you just picked up a new refurb iPhone 3GS or discount iPod touch G3 for Black Friday, and you're eager to know what to do with it next? TiPb's got you covered. Here are some helpful tips and tricks, apps and accessories, and reviews and overviews to get new users on their way. (Or, if you're already a pro, to send to those new users who would otherwise be bugging you all night for help).

AT&T Now Offering iPhone 3GS Refurbs Online

Just in time for the holidays AT&T is now offering up refurbished iPhone 3GS devices online for a discounted price with free overnight shipping and no activation fee. Both 16GB and 32GB flavors are offered as well as both black and white models.

The 16GB model is on sale for $49 while the 32GB is going for a cool $149.00. Of course the regular two-year contract is mandatory along with new activation if you want these low prices.

If any of you are in the market for a iPhone 3GS on the cheap this is the deal you may have been looking for. Any takers?

Motorola's Brand Loyalty Among Men 18+ Sneaks Past Apple

According to a study, Motorola recently surpassed Apple in brand loyalty among men 18 years old and up since the release of the Droid on the Verizon network. The study by YouGov's BrandIndex scale ranges from -100 to 100 and is based on weekday interviews with 2,000 interviews per day from a panel of 250,000 people.

This past week Apple has dropped from a November peak high of 48.1 to 22 and Motorola is staying strong with 29.3 with an error margin of +/- 2 percent. The real loser in all of this? Research and Motion and their BlackBerry smartphones as they have dropped to a lonely 9 in the study.

iPhone App Store Black Friday to Cyber Monday Sales

Apple's iTunes App Store is featuring tons and tons of sales this weekend, some for Black Friday, some for Cyber Monday, some for the entire weekend. We know that no matter how cheap some apps start off, there's always a commenter who says "meh, I'd buy it for half that" -- so now we're looking at you, sir! Put your money where your anonymous internet chatter is and go get some great, and greatly en-cheapened apps!

Apple Black Friday Sales Live in North America

Black Friday Sales are now live for both the US Apple Online Store and it's slightly anemic cousin to the north, the Canadian Apple Online Store. So, if you've been waiting to save up to $5 on a Magic Mouse, $11 on an iPod nano, $21 on an Apple TV, $41 on an iPod touch, or $101 on a MacBook Pro or iMac, get ye a shopping! (And let us know what you grab!)

TiPb's Top 5 First-Person Shooting Games!

Today’s TiPb Top 5 will be directed towards our iPhone and iPod touch wielding readers who love First-Person Shooting (FPS) games. Just like our other TiPb’s top 5 must-have posts, all of these applications are available in the App Store. For the full overview, follow us after the break!